Just recently, I had the chance to meet Danielle Robinson, president of the Ottawa Senators Foundation at the Women’s Business Network event Hockey and Heels. There, Danielle spoke with us about techniques and tips she uses to stay on top of her game. It was while chatting with Danielle that I realized what a perfect fit her ideas would be here on Sister Leadership.

Danielle has worked with the Ottawa Senators Foundation for the past nine years of her career. She arrived with a passion for charity and giving forward, but with almost no knowledge of the sport of hockey! Through the support of her work community, she has been able to help connect the Ottawa community, crowds and causes to one another for massive impact. In this discussion, we learn how she counters adversity in what is an emotionally challenging field of work.

From a SQ perspective, countering adversity means growing from setbacks and moving forward with knowledge from that experience. At times, having experienced adversity can even help us understand a situation or opportunity from a new perspective.

Danielle, as president of the Ottawa Senators Foundation, you must carry a certain amount of responsibility for both the operational pressures of the foundation, and the deep emotional challenges of the foundation’s work. What are some of the resources or strategies you draw upon in order to pass through the needle of adversity and be flexible to change?

I think the first thing I need to acknowledge is that I have an incredible team here at the Ottawa Senators Foundation. We really do collaborate well together. I also feel tremendously supported by the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and my Board of Directors. Knowing that I have that kind of support and am empowered within my role really helps.

But further to that, on a more personal level – you are right, it is a fairly large role, it is a public role, and one I feel of great responsibility, but also of great privilege. That is something I try to keep in mind every day.

I spoke a little bit the other day, here at the club with the Women’s Business Network, about trying to start my morning with meditation. Before my feet really hit the ground I take the time to read a reflection of the day. I then sit and think about that and then try to set my intentions for the day. I also write in my gratitude journal about three things I’m grateful for in my life. I do those things every morning and then about three to four mornings a week I try to get out and exercise as well.

I haven’t always been like this in my career with the Senators. I’ve been here for nine seasons now and it certainly has been a journey of learning. It really only has been in the last two or three years that I feel like I’ve come into my own and am adopting a more balanced life.

Who are some of your mentors, Danielle? And how have they inspired you to overcome adversity?

My gut response is my late mother-in-law, Jean Robinson. She came into my life about fifteen years ago. She lived a very simple, humble life, and she raised 10 children to the best of her abilities through some tremendous set of circumstances. She also battled cancer for more than 20 years. When I met this woman, she was in the late stages of having cancer and I never heard her complain once. She was filled with such gratitude and kindness when she must have been in a tremendous amount of pain. I remember thinking that this woman had a great amount of compassion and passion for life.

So when I’m having a tough day, or facing some of the things at my work that I’m exposed to, my thoughts do often turn to my mother-in-law and her outlook in life.

In staying on top of your game, how do you manage the stress when facing obstacles in your role as CEO of the Ottawa Senators Foundation?

I’ve not always been very good at this. I feel like this is something I’ve really come into my own in the last three years. When things get stressful and I’m faced with obstacles, I generally have an emotional reaction, and sometimes not always a positive one. I’ve learned to slow down, take a breath, and just pause before reacting.

It’s about being intentional towards ‘how I want to feel about the situation?’ and asking myself ‘where is feeling negativity going to get me?’ I have learned that feeling that way is not going to provide me with any solutions or allow me to move forward quickly. When I start to get into a negative space because of stress, I just pause, acknowledge it, and then take some time to change my head-space. I generally dive into a quick meditation app on my phone and then come back to the situation once I’m in a better frame of mind.

What beliefs or practices do you have about bringing spirituality to counter adversity and create such positive change?

I feel like everything that’s happening in my life is happening for a reason and that there is something larger than myself at work in my life. When I wasn’t dealing with the stress in my life as I am now, I tried to control the outcomes to everything in my life. I don’t really do that anymore. I let life happen and I deal with it. It might be cliché to say, but I try and live one day at a time. I also have faith that I’m going to be okay and recognize that I have a wonderful life

What is bigger than you, that you are part of, and that you contribute to?

When I think about this community, and our needs, and our fans and the opportunity that I’ve been given I recognize I’m a person who has the ability to bring people together for a greater purpose. I’m a person who can make connections and have relationships that can result in something bigger. I have people all around me who are coaching me and giving me the opportunity to do the kind of work that I do. My career is really rewarding and at the same time it’s humbling. I’m proud to do the things that I do in my career and that working with the Ottawa Senators has given me an opportunity and a platform to enable change for good in our community.

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Sister Leadership would like to thank Danielle for her candid responses and insights into her own transformation over these past few years.

And to our readers, how have you come to counter adversity in your own life through self-awareness? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

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